Plant Power
I am not Vegan–in fact, I don’t believe in “labeling” my nutrition beyond this:
I practice clean, whole-food nutrition, mostly plants, mostly raw. And I focus on eating this way 80% of the time.
When I eat limited amounts of animal protein, I make certain it is:
antibiotic-free, hormone-free, nonGMO fed, pasture-raised, uncaged, etc. because I know that I am what I eat, eats.
I do this not only because research supports consuming a lot of plants for healthy aging, but also because plants are nutrient dense and really powerful medicine.
For example:
Let’s compare 3.5 ounces (1/2 cup) quinoa (an ancient grain that hasnt been widely ruined with pesticides or genetically modified–yet) with 3.5 ounces of cow beef (approx size of a deck of card).
Will the cow beef out-perform the quinoa when it comes to protein and iron comparisons?
Absolutely.
Without a doubt.
Meat is protein by definition–this serving amount=26 grams of protein.
Cow beef also has: 90 mg cholesterol and double the fat (15 grams) of quinoa, fewer vitamins and nutrients.
And let’s be real here–it’s everything that is eaten along with beef adds a real nutrition decline: potato chips, french fries, processed white bun, mayo, cheese, etc.
Quinoa provides: 14 grams of protein, 25% RDA Iron, 25 % RDA Vitamin B6, 6 grams of fat, 0 cholesterol.
You can boost the nutrition and beauty of quinoa by added olive oil, lemon or lime juice, and folding in a varitey of clean, whole and colorful vegetables and beans.
So enjoy your animal protein–mindfully pair it with healthy side dishes and whole grains–and remember, the power of nutritional density lies in the plant.
Live Life Optimally,
KristieRosser.com
